@JucoDad posted:Welcome to the community! I found this board very late in my baseball son’s journey (he was in the minors), but I’d have been much more informed if I’d come across it sooner.
Being a dyslexic in my 60’s with two dyslexic sons I have some opinions on the topic.
They didn’t diagnose dyslexia or offer accommodations in my day; I was just a poor student that dropped out of HS without finishing the 10th grade. I was 17 and living on my own when I realized I wasn’t stupid, I just think and learn differently than most people. Once I understood it, it became my superpower. Thinking differently has made all the difference in my career. In many cases a dyslexic’s “in the box” thinking is “out of the box” for everyone else.
As for my two boys, my eldest is a staff engineer for a high profile tech company and his brother is a MLB pitcher. Both received 504 accommodations and were much better for the help. The engineer struggled until middle school, and then everything clicked into place. The ball player never enjoyed academics but always made sure he was eligible to play.
Dyslexia is a learning disability, but it can also be a blessing…
Thank you for your welcome and taking time to respond. Congratulations on raising two boys into successful and productive men. That’s my main goal as a father.
My son’s “disability” does present itself in many positive ways and that’s something I’ve always found pride and joy in. Every child is unique, but I definitely feel like I have something special. Also despite his challenges in the classroom, his teachers see leadership qualities in him which I hope baseball emboldens. as I’m sure playing sports has played a pivotal role in his character development.
Your ball player son and mine share a disdain for academia, and he prefers to work with his hands, but I’m also hoping things start to click while he’s in middle school like your other son experienced.
Either way, it sounds like personalized support, patience and consistency is key.
Thanks again for your support.